Buying a new home is tough enough without looking for a green one. But if you’re conscious of how your lifestyle affects the environment, you don’t want a house that uses up energy like it’s going out of style. You need to know what to look for to bag yourself a home that’s as energy-efficient as possible. At the very least, you can find a property that you can adjust to make it greener. But you don’t want to spend too much on improvements, so knowing what to look for and how to do it is essential. Don’t settle on a new home until you’ve tried these things.
Use a Green Estate Agent
Using a real estate agent to help you with your house search is a smart move for anyone. However, if you can find the right one, it can be an even better decision if you’re looking for a green home. You can find agents who specialise in helping you find eco-friendly places to live. Plus, they make sure that their work follows practices minimising damage to the environment. They won’t always openly advertise their ability to seek out green properties, however. So be sure to ask agents what they know about identifying an energy-efficient home and check out this post to learn more about steps you should take after moving in.
Consider a Newer Home
If you’re looking to buy a home that won’t waste energy, there’s no doubt that newer builds are best. Older homes may have been adjusted since being built, with central heating and insulation. However, this isn’t the same as a home having been built with energy-efficiency in mind. Older properties can still have many problems with being unable to heat properly. New-build homes like those provided by Linden Homes have been designed and constructed with saving energy in mind. There’s also often the option to customise your new home in the way that you want to ensure it meets your energy standards.
Energy Audits
When a home is constructed, sold or let in the UK, it needs to have an Energy Performance Certificate. These certificates help you to see how energy-efficient a home is. Then you can work out what you would need to do to improve it. If a property isn’t particularly efficient, it doesn’t mean you can’t turn it into a greener home. However, it would mean making some improvements either before or after moving in. The rating given goes from A (the best) to G (the worst), and it’s valid for ten years. Remember to ask to see the certificate, as the person or company selling the home must show it to you.
Research Potential Changes
Some properties have the potential to be greener than they are currently. After moving in, you might have the option to use some renewable energies. When you’re considering properties, think about how you could change them in the future. They might not be as energy-efficient as possible now, but a few tweaks could make a difference.
Starting off with an energy-efficient building plan will make it easier to live a green lifestyle. Otherwise, you’ll always be fighting against a less efficient property.
